Drone strikes kill 7 suspected militants in Yemen

SANAA, Yemen – Security officials say suspected U.S. drone strikes have killed seven alleged al-Qaida militants in southern Yemen.

The suspected drone attack is the fifth in Yemen in less than two weeks.

The attacks come a day after the U.S. and Britain evacuated embassy staff due to a threatened attack in the country, and militants shot down a helicopter.

READ MORE: Suspected U.S. drone kills 4 in Yemen as U.S., Britain evacuate embassy staff

The officials say the militants were killed early Wednesday in Shabwa province. They spoke anonymously in line with regulations.

Residents of the area of Markha in Shabwa province say they saw two vehicles and several bodies on fire at the site of the strikes. They declined to be identified, fearing reprisals.

Washington considers al-Qaida’s Yemeni offshoot one of the world’s most active.